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Protest and Demonstration Guidelines

Simmons College respects the rights of all members of the student community to freely express, explore and discuss matters which are of interest and concern to them. This may include expressing these opinions publicly and joining together to demonstrate those concerns in an orderly fashion. Simmons College protects the right of voluntary assembly, will make its facilities available to students for peaceful demonstrations, will welcome guest speakers and will endeavor to protect these assemblies from disruption and interference.

Simmons College also respects the rights of each student in our community to be free from coercion and harassment. Protest becomes unacceptable when it obstructs the basic exchange of ideas. Such obstruction is a form of censorship, no matter who initiates it, is responsible for it, or for what reason. By asserting the right to protest, individuals cannot decide for the entire Simmons community which ideas will or will not receive free expression.

Simmons College will not allow disruptive or disorderly conduct on its premise which interrupts the day-to-day operation of the College or the academic enterprise. Students engaging in disorderly conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action and could be subject to a hearing before the College's Judicial Board.

Students planning a picket, protest or demonstration on Simmons College property are to contact the Office of Student Leadership and Activities to register and for further information. By registering the protest, the College does not intend to infringe on the students' right to assemble but rather to ensure that appropriate levels of crowd management staff as required by law (527 CMR 10.13) are present.